Now faith is the substance of things hoped for
William MacDonald teaches that true faith is confident trust in God's promises, grounded in His Word, enabling believers to embrace the unseen and impossible with assurance.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound nature of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1. He emphasizes that faith is not blind belief but confident trust in the promises of God, grounded in His unchanging Word. MacDonald encourages believers to embrace faith as a rational and powerful force that enables them to face the unseen and impossible with assurance. He also highlights the testing and refining of faith through trials and the vital importance of faith in pleasing God.
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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is implicit trust in the Word of God. It is confidence in the trustworthiness of God. It is the conviction that what God says is true and that what He promises will come to pass. It deals primarily in the realm of the future (“things hoped for”) and the realm of the invisible (“things not seen”).
Whittier said that “the steps of faith fall on the seeming void, and find the rock beneath.” But not so! Faith is no leap in the dark. It demands the surest evidence, and finds that evidence in the Word of God.
Some people have the misconception that if you just believe a thing strongly enough it will come to pass. But that is credulity, not faith. Faith must have some revelation of God to lean on, some promise of God to cling to. If God promises something, then it is as sure as if it had already happened. If He foretells the future, then it is certain to be fulfilled. In other words, faith brings the future within the present and makes the invisible seen.
There is no risk in believing God. God cannot lie, He would not deceive, and He cannot be deceived. To believe God is the most rational, sane, logical thing a person can do. What is more reasonable than that the creature should believe the Creator?
Faith is not limited to possibilities but invades the realm of the impossible. Someone has said, “Faith begins where possibilities end. If it’s possible then there’s no glory for God in it. If it’s impossible, it can be done.”
Faith, mighty faith the promise sees
And looks to God alone;
Laughs at impossibilities
And cries, “It shall be done.”
Admittedly there are difficulties and problems in the life of faith. God tests our faith in the crucible of trial and affliction to see if it is genuine (1 Peter 1:7). We often have to wait long years to see the fulfilment of His promises, and sometimes we have to wait till we reach the other side. But “difficulties are food for faith to feed on” (George Muller).
“Without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). When we refuse to believe Him, we are saying that He is a liar (1 John 5:10), and how can God be pleased by people who call Him a liar?
Sermon Outline
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I. Definition of Faith
- Faith as implicit trust in God's Word
- Confidence in God's trustworthiness
- Faith deals with the future and the unseen
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II. Faith Is Not Blind Belief
- Faith requires evidence found in God's promises
- Faith is not mere credulity or wishful thinking
- Faith brings the future into the present
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III. The Rationality and Power of Faith
- Believing God is logical and reasonable
- Faith transcends possibilities into the impossible
- Faith glorifies God by trusting in His power
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IV. The Testing and Reward of Faith
- Faith is refined through trials and affliction
- Waiting on God's promises strengthens faith
- Without faith it is impossible to please God
Key Quotes
“Faith is implicit trust in the Word of God.” — William MacDonald
“Faith brings the future within the present and makes the invisible seen.” — William MacDonald
“There is no risk in believing God. God cannot lie, He would not deceive, and He cannot be deceived.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Trust God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible.
- Allow trials to strengthen and refine your faith rather than weaken it.
- Remember that faith is based on God's truth, not on feelings or wishful thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biblical definition of faith?
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, meaning confident trust in God's promises.
Is faith just believing strongly in something?
No, faith is not mere strong belief but is based on the revelation and promises of God.
Why does faith involve trusting the unseen?
Because faith deals with future promises and realities that are not yet visible but are certain through God's Word.
How does God test faith?
God tests faith through trials and afflictions to prove its genuineness and to strengthen believers.
Why is faith necessary to please God?
Without faith, it is impossible to please God because faith acknowledges His truth and trustworthiness.